Eco-friendly netting and methods of growing and harvesting sod using the same

ABSTRACT

An eco-friendly netting for growing and/or harvesting sod, plants, and/or any type of vegetation is disclosed herein. The eco-friendly netting includes a netting body portion forming a pattern of netting apertures, the netting body portion is formed from a material that is at least partially biodegradable. The eco-friendly netting may be preseeded. The eco-friendly netting may be treated or processed with anti-rot agents, degrading accelerators, degrading inhibitors, nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, algaecides, herbicides, water absorption/retention enhancers or any combination thereof. Methods of growing sod and harvesting sod, which utilize the eco-friendly netting, are also disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting may be treated or processed to increase or decrease its functional longevity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/907,919, entitled “Eco-Friendly Netting andMethods of Growing and Harvesting Sod Using the Same”, filed on Jun. 22,2020; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/918,827, entitled “Eco-Friendly Netting and Methods of Growingand Harvesting Sod Using the Same”, filed on Oct. 21, 2015, and furtherclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/066,946, entitled “Eco-Friendly Netting and Methods of Growing andHarvesting Sod Using the Same”, filed on Oct. 22, 2014, the disclosureof each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth intheir entireties herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to an eco-friendly netting. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to an eco-friendly netting forgrowing and/or harvesting sod, plants, and/or any type of vegetation.

2. Background

Traditional plastic turf netting is known and used in variousapplications, such as for sod reinforcement while the grass forming thesod is being grown. While plastic turf netting is capable of reinforcingthe sod during the growth period, it has many deleterious effects on theenvironment. For example, traditional plastic turf netting is notbiodegradable, and thus remains buried in the ground for many years. Theburied plastic can leach toxic chemicals that can permeate through thesoil and contaminate ground water. Although there are some varieties ofplastic turf netting that claim to be degradable, these nettingsessentially disintegrate under ultraviolet radiation and can still leachtoxic chemicals, eventually contaminating the ground water. In addition,conventional plastic turf netting often becomes entangled in grassmowing equipment, thereby damaging the equipment and the root system.Also, traditional plastic turf netting poses a substantial threat towildlife because various types of animals can become easily entangled inthis artificial netting product. Finally, because conventional plasticturf netting is extremely lightweight, it is readily susceptible tobeing undesirably displaced by the wind, thereby preventing the turfnetting from performing its intended functionality.

Therefore, what is needed is an eco-friendly alternative to traditionalplastic turf netting for sod growers and harvesters that does not havethe negative environmental impacts of conventional plastic netting.Moreover, eco-friendly netting is needed that significantly reduces thechances of netting entanglement in grass mowing equipment and the threatof wildlife entrapment. Furthermore, there is a need for eco-friendlynetting that is heavier than conventional plastic netting so as togreatly reduce the likelihood that the netting will be displaced bynatural forces acting thereon, such as that of wind-induced forces. Inaddition, there is a need for eco-friendly netting that is derived fromnatural and organic plant materials that can biodegrade without the needfor exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to eco-friendly nettingand methods of growing and harvesting sod using the same thatsubstantially obviates one or more problems resulting from thelimitations and deficiencies of the related art.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention,there is provided an eco-friendly netting for growing and/or harvestingsod, plants, and/or any type of vegetation. The eco-friendly nettingincludes a netting body portion forming a pattern of netting apertures,the netting body portion being formed from a material that is at leastpartially biodegradable.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the material formingthe netting body portion is substantially biodegradable and isconfigured to decompose without requiring exposure to ultravioletradiation.

In yet a further embodiment, the material forming the netting bodyportion is configured to absorb water so as to increase a weight of thematerial and release the absorbed water back to a root system inadjacent soil.

In still a further embodiment, the material forming the netting bodyportion is configured to release nutrients to the soil as the materialdecomposes.

In yet a further embodiment, the material forming the netting bodyportion is selected from the group consisting of: (i) one or morebioplastics, (ii) one or more agricultural by-products, (iii) one ormore organic materials, (iv) one or more inorganic materials, and (v)combinations thereof.

In still a further embodiment, the material forming the netting bodyportion comprises a plurality of fibers or yarns arranged in a wovenconfiguration, a knitted configuration, a substantially non-wovenconfiguration, or an extruded configuration, and each of the pluralityof fibers or yarns is formed from a substantially natural material.

In yet a further embodiment, the substantially natural materialcomprises jute and/or cotton fibers.

In still a further embodiment, the netting has a mass per unit area ofless than 300 grams per square meter.

In yet a further embodiment, the netting apertures are formed in thenetting body portion by: (i) weaving, (ii) knitting, (iii)needle-punching, or (iv) extrusion, and each of the netting apertureshas an opening size of at least 0.8 millimeters by at least 0.8millimeters.

In still a further embodiment, the netting is treated or processed toincrease or decrease a functional longevity of the netting, and thenetting has a longevity of between approximately 1 month andapproximately 60 months, inclusive.

In yet a further embodiment, the netting has a longitudinal wide widthstrip tensile strength of less than 2500 pounds per foot.

In still a further embodiment, the netting has a transversal wide widthstrip tensile strength of less than 2500 pounds per foot.

In yet a further embodiment, the netting is preseeded.

In still a further embodiment, the netting is treated or processed withat least one of anti-rot agents, degrading accelerators, degradinginhibitors, nutrients, pesticides, fungicides, algaecides, herbicides,water absorption enhancers, water retention enhancers, or anycombination thereof.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of growing sod using aneco-friendly netting. The method comprising the steps of: (i) providingan eco-friendly netting, which includes a netting body portion forming apattern of netting apertures, the netting body portion being formed froma material that is at least partially biodegradable; (ii) loosening atop portion of a soil bed to prepare the soil bed for a planting ofseeds; (iii) applying a plurality of seeds to the soil bed such that theplurality of seeds are embedded in the soil bed; (iv) unrolling andarranging a plurality of strips of the eco-friendly netting on a top ofthe soil bed in an overlapping manner; (v) anchoring a plurality ofouter edges of the plurality of the netting strips into the ground so asto retain the eco-friendly netting in place; (vi) irrigating theplurality of seeds in the soil bed so that grass grows in the soil bedand roots of the grass intertwine with the material of the eco-friendlynetting; and (vii) harvesting sod when the grass develops into a maturestate.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the method furthercomprises the step of: (viii) applying at least one of additionalseeding, irrigation, fertilizers, soil amendments, and herbicides to theplurality of seeds in the soil bed.

In yet a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:(viii) mowing the sod when the grass reaches a predetermined height.

In still a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:(viii) applying a veneer of soil on the eco-friendly netting.

In accordance with yet one or more other embodiments of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of harvesting sod using aneco-friendly netting. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providingan eco-friendly netting, which includes a netting body portion forming apattern of netting apertures, the netting body portion being formed froma material that is at least partially biodegradable; (ii) installing anetting roll of the eco-friendly netting in a mechanical harvester;(iii) dispensing the eco-friendly netting from the netting roll, andsupporting an underside of sod cut and extracted by the mechanicalharvester prior to the sod being wound onto a core; (iv) when a sod rollformed by the winding of the sod onto the core reaches a predetermineddiameter, cutting the sod and wrapping the eco-friendly netting aroundthe sod roll a predetermined number of times so as to secure the sodroll; and (v) cutting the eco-friendly netting with a device on theharvester.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sod roll comprisesa plurality of sod rolls, and the following steps are repeated for eachof the plurality of sod rolls:

(iii) dispensing the eco-friendly netting from the netting roll, andsupporting an underside of the sod cut and extracted by the mechanicalharvester prior to the sod being wound onto a core;

(iv) when a sod roll formed by the winding of the sod onto the corereaches a predetermined diameter, cutting the sod and wrapping theeco-friendly netting around the sod roll a predetermined number of timesso as to secure the sod roll; and (v) cutting the eco-friendly nettingwith the device on the harvester.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description of the present invention are merelyexemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description of the inventionshould not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in anysense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first type of eco-friendly nettingused in the growing and harvesting of sod, plants, and any type ofvegetation, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of an exemplary leno weave used inconjunction with embodiments of the eco-friendly netting describedherein;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view depicting the loosening of a topsoil bedin an exemplary sod growing method that utilizes the eco-friendlynetting described herein;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view depicting the application of grass seedsto the topsoil bed in the exemplary sod growing method;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view depicting the placement of a plurality ofoverlapping strips of the eco-friendly netting on the topsoil bed in theexemplary sod growing method;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view depicting the anchoring of the pluralityof overlapping strips of the eco-friendly netting on the topsoil bed inthe exemplary sod growing method;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view further illustrating the anchoring of theplurality of overlapping strips of the eco-friendly netting in FIG. 6 ,wherein the sectional view is generally cut along the cutting-plane lineA-A in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view depicting the irrigation of the pluralityof seeds in the topsoil bed in the exemplary sod growing method;

FIG. 9 is a illustrative view depicting roots of grass in the sod beingintertwined with the eco-friendly netting in the exemplary sod growingmethod;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view depicting the installation of a roll ofeco-friendly netting in a mechanical harvester in an exemplary sodharvesting method which utilizes the eco-friendly netting describedherein;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view depicting the dispensing of theeco-friendly netting from its roll, and the supporting of the sod usingthe dispensed netting in the exemplary sod harvesting method;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view depicting the wrapping of a sod rollusing the eco-friendly netting, and the cutting of the netting after thesod roll has been wrapped in the exemplary sod harvesting method;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second type of eco-friendly nettingused in the growing and harvesting of sod, plants, and any type ofvegetation, according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third type of eco-friendly nettingused in the growing and harvesting of sod, plants, and any type ofvegetation, according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth type of eco-friendly nettingused in the growing and harvesting of sod, plants, and any type ofvegetation, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

Throughout the figures, the same elements are always denoted using thesame reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only bedescribed once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that, in an illustratedembodiment, the eco-friendly netting 10 may comprise a plurality of weftyarns 12 with a plurality of pairs of warp yarns 14, 16 that are twistedaround the weft yarns 12 in order to form netting material having agrid-like pattern. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 ,the grid-like pattern of the eco-friendly netting 10 defines a pluralityof substantially rectangular netting apertures 18 formed by theintertwined weft yarns 12 and warp yarns 14, 16. In FIG. 1 , it can beseen that the netting apertures 18 of the eco-friendly netting 10 aregenerally arranged in a grid-like configuration.

One suitable application for the eco-friendly netting described hereinis illustrated in FIG. 9 . In this figure, it can be seen that strips 40of the eco-friendly netting 10 are being used in the process of growingsod. More particularly, the strips 40 of the eco-friendly netting 10 arepositioned in the topsoil bed 28 at the base of the sod so that theroots 52 of the grass 50 may become intertwined therein. As describedhereinafter, the eco-friendly netting 10 is also particularlywell-suited for harvesting sod.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 includes aplurality of fibers or yarns arranged in a woven configuration or asubstantially non-woven configuration. The substantially non-wovenconfiguration may comprise a large portion of fibers or yarns that arenon-woven and a small portion of fibers or yarns that are woven (i.e.,the substantially non-woven configuration is mostly comprised ofnon-woven fibers or yarns, but may contain some woven fibers or yarns).Alternatively, the substantially non-woven configuration may be entirelycomprised of non-woven fibers or yarns. For example, in one or moreembodiments, the substantially non-woven configuration of the netting 10may be formed from a fibrous sheet, similar to a piece of felt, and thenetting apertures described hereinafter may be punched into the fibroussheet. Each of the plurality of fibers or yarns is formed from asubstantially natural material or an entirely natural material. Thesubstantially natural material may be mostly formed from a naturalmaterial (e.g., jute and/or cotton), but may also contain a small amountof an unnatural material (e.g., conventional plastic). Alternatively,the substantially natural material may be entirely comprised of anatural material. Advantageously, the utilization of a substantiallynatural material for the plurality of netting fibers or yarns providesan eco-friendly, reliable and better performing alternative toconventional plastic netting, while significantly reducing both thechances of netting entanglement in grass mowing equipment and the threatof wildlife entrapment. In some embodiments, the substantially naturalmaterial forming the eco-friendly netting 10 may comprise a combinationof jute and cotton fibers. As one non-limiting example, the eco-friendlynetting 10 may contain 80% by weight of jute fibers and 20% by weight ofcotton fibers. Also, the substantially natural material forming theeco-friendly netting 10 may be configured to naturally absorb water soas to increase a weight of the material so that the netting 10 is morelikely to remain in place when being used (i.e., the netting 10 will beless likely to be blown out of place by wind, etc.). As one non-limitingexample, the eco-friendly netting 10 may absorb 100% to 300% by weightof water. The absorption of water by the netting 10 allows it to “hug”the soil. By virtue of its unique, interwoven, twisted construction, thenetting 10 is stronger, and has superior dimensional stability andadherence to the soil during the initial stages of planting and duringharvesting. The netting may have a weight that is greater than a nettingformed from a conventional plastic or another polymeric material usedfor sod growing (e.g., the netting have a weight that is 200% to 600%more than conventional plastic netting). The netting 10 may also includeseeds and/or fertilizers and/or water absorbing materials. For example,the netting 10 may comprise seeds, such as Fescue, Rye, Bluegrass,Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, etc. Also, as an example, the netting 10 maycomprise fertilizers containing pre-determined proportions of Nitrogen,Phosphorous and Potassium and/or water absorbing materials comprisingHydrophilic crystalline polymers. In one or more embodiments, thenetting 10 is pre-seeded prior to installation (e.g., pre-seeded withgrass seeds). For example, an adhesive medium may be used to bond theseeds to the netting 10. As it is used throughout this disclosure, theconjunction “and/or” means one, or the other, or both (e.g., when it issaid that the netting 10 may comprise jute and/or cotton fibers, thismeans that the netting 10 may comprise jute fibers without cottonfibers, the netting 10 may comprise cotton fibers without jute fibers,or that the netting 10 may comprise both jute and cotton fibers). Also,throughout this disclosure, dimensional quantities in millimeters areabbreviated “mm”.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 may be heavyenough to stay in place when typical wind forces are acting thereonduring the installation thereof. For example, the eco-friendly netting10 may be 200% to 600% heavier than conventional plastic netting.

In some embodiments, the substantially natural material forming theeco-friendly netting 10 may comprise an entirely natural materialcomprised of completely organic, non-synthetic fibers or yarns from arenewable resource. In these embodiments, the plurality of fibersforming the eco-friendly netting 10 do not comprise a conventionalpolymeric material or plastic. Thus, the negative environmental impactresulting from the use of conventional plastic is eliminated. Also, theplurality of fibers or yarns forming the eco-friendly netting 10 mayhave attractive earthen tones with no chemicals or dyes. When providedwith an aesthetically pleasing, natural earthen color, the netting 10may blend in with the roots and the soil of the sod. For example, thenatural earthen color of the netting 10 may comprise sand, honey, ortaupe color tones. Advantageously, when the netting 10 is provided witha natural earthen color, the netting 10 is undyed and unbleached.

In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 , the pluralityof fibers forming the eco-friendly netting 10 are arranged in aninterwoven, twisted configuration. The interwoven, twisted configurationin which the plurality of netting fibers or yarns are arranged maycomprise either a leno weave or a basket weave (i.e., the woven fabricplies may comprise either a leno weave or a basket weave).Advantageously, the use of a leno weave or a basket weave results in astronger netting material. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , anexemplary leno weave 20 may comprise two (2) warp yarns 24, 26 that aretwisted around weft yarns 22 in order to provide a strong nettingmaterial. Advantageously, the leno weave produces an open fabric withvirtually no yarn slippage or misplacement of threads. That is, when aleno weave is used, each weft yarn is held in place by one (1) warp yarnabove and one (1) warp yarn below. The warp yarn running above a weftyarn runs below the adjacent weft yarns, and a warp yarn running below aweft yarn runs above the adjacent weft yarns, thereby creating a twistand lock effect, which results in excellent dimensional stability.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 is constructedin a leno weave with warp and weft of jute yarns having a thicknessbetween approximately 0.5 millimeters (mm) and approximately 1.5millimeters (mm), inclusive (or between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, inclusive), amesh aperture size of between approximately 50.0 mm by 30.0 mm andapproximately 20.0 mm by 10.0 mm (or between 50.0 mm by 30.0 mm and 20.0mm by 10.0 mm), and a mass per unit area of between approximately 20grams per square meter and approximately 40 grams per square meter,inclusive (or between 20 grams per square meter and 40 grams per squaremeter, inclusive). The mesh aperture sizes listed above are given interms of length by width of the mesh opening.

In one or more other embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 isconstructed in a leno weave with warp and weft of jute yarns having athickness between approximately 0.5 mm and approximately 1.5 mm,inclusive (or between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, inclusive), a mesh aperturesize of between approximately 25.0 mm by 15.0 mm and approximately 10.0mm by 8.0 mm (or between 25.0 mm by 15.0 mm and 10.0 mm by 8.0 mm), anda mass per unit area of between approximately 40 grams per square meterand approximately 60 grams per square meter, inclusive (or between 40grams per square meter and 60 grams per square meter, inclusive). Themesh aperture sizes listed above are given in terms of length by widthof the mesh opening.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting may comprise anetting body portion forming a pattern of netting apertures. Thematerial forming the netting body portion may comprise a plurality offibers or yarns arranged in a woven configuration (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and2 ), a knitted configuration 70 with netting apertures 72 (see e.g.,FIG. 13 ), a substantially non-woven configuration 74 with punchednetting apertures 76 (see e.g., FIG. 14 ), or an extruded configuration78 with netting apertures 80 (see e.g., FIG. 15 ). As such, the nettingapertures may be formed in the netting body portion by: (i) weaving,(ii) knitting, (iii) needle-punching, or (iv) extrusion. In one or moreembodiments, each of the netting apertures may have an opening size ofat least approximately 0.8 mm by approximately 0.8 mm (or at least 0.8mm by 0.8 mm). For example, in one exemplary embodiment, each of thenetting apertures may have an opening size of between approximately 50.0mm by 50.0 mm and approximately 0.8 mm by 0.8 mm (or between 50.0 mm by50.0 mm and 0.8 mm by 0.8 mm), inclusive of all values within the rangeand the endpoints of the range.

In one or more embodiments, the netting body portion may have alongitudinal wide width strip tensile strength of less than 2500 poundsper foot, and a transverse wide width strip tensile strength of lessthan 2500 pounds per foot, according to a test performed in accordancewith ASTM Standard D 4595 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Propertiesof Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Strip Method).

In one or more embodiments, the netting body portion may be formed froma material that is partially or fully biodegradable. For example, in oneor more embodiments, the partially or fully biodegradable materialforming the netting body portion is selected from the group consistingof: (i) one or more bioplastics, (ii) one or more agriculturalby-products, (iii) one or more organic materials, (iv) one or moreinorganic materials, and (v) combinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of fibers forming theeco-friendly netting 10 may be substantially biodegradable, and may beconfigured to decompose without requiring exposure to ultraviolet (UV)radiation (i.e., without direct exposure to the rays of the sun). Thesubstantially biodegradable netting 10 may comprise mostly biodegradablefibers, but may contain some fibers that are not biodegradable.Alternatively, the substantially biodegradable netting 10 may compriseentirely biodegradable fibers. The plurality of netting fibers or yarnsmay be configured to release nutrients to the soil as the fibers oryarns decompose so as to enhance the growth of grass in a sod growingapplication. In some embodiments, the netting 10 may have a longevity ofbetween approximately 1 month and approximately 60 months, inclusive (ora longevity between 1 month and 60 months, inclusive). In some otherembodiments, the netting 10 may have a longevity of betweenapproximately 1 month and approximately 24 months, inclusive (or alongevity between 1 month and 24 months, inclusive). For the sodharvesting application, it is desirable that that the nettingbiodegrades rather quickly after the harvested sod is installed inplace. As such, for the sod harvesting application, the longevity may becloser to the lower end of the exemplary longevity ranges listed above.In the sod growing application, the netting must remain structurallyintact and be able to hold the root structure together until it is readyto harvest. Thus, for the sod growing application, the longevity may becloser to the upper end of the exemplary longevity ranges listed above.This could be one growing season to several growing seasons. Somevarieties of grass in certain climatic conditions require an even longertime to grow and mature. The ecofriendly netting used in suchapplications requires an even longer longevity. In one or moreembodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 may be treated or processed toincrease or decrease its functional longevity. For example, the netting10 may be treated with a rot-resistant additive.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 is treated orprocessed with anti-rot agents, degrading accelerators, degradinginhibitors, nutrients, pesticides, fungicides, algaecides, herbicides(weed killers), water absorption/retention enhancers or any combinationthereof.

In one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 may have a yarnthickness of between approximately 0.1 millimeters and approximately 2.0millimeters, inclusive (or between 0.1 millimeters and 2.0 millimeters,inclusive). More specifically, in one or more embodiments, theeco-friendly netting 10 may have a yarn thickness of betweenapproximately 0.5 millimeters and approximately 1.5 millimeters,inclusive (or between 0.5 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters, inclusive).For example, if a cotton thread is used for the yarn of the eco-friendlynetting 10, the yarn thickness may be closer to the lower end of therange (e.g., approximately 0.1 millimeters). The netting 10 may alsohave a mass per unit area of less than 100 grams per square meter (gsm).More specifically, in one or more exemplary embodiments, theeco-friendly netting 10 may have a mass per unit area of betweenapproximately 20 grams per square meter (gsm) and 40 grams per squaremeter (gsm), inclusive (or between 20 gsm and 40 gsm, inclusive). In oneor more other exemplary embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 mayhave a mass per unit area of between approximately 40 grams per squaremeter (gsm) and 60 grams per square meter (gsm), inclusive (or between40 gsm and 60 gsm, inclusive). In addition, the netting may have alongitudinal wide width strip tensile strength of less than 500 poundsper foot, and a transverse wide width strip tensile strength of lessthan 500 pounds per foot, according to a test performed in accordancewith ASTM Standard D 4595 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Propertiesof Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Strip Method). More specifically, inone or more exemplary embodiments, the eco-friendly netting 10 may havea longitudinal wide width strip tensile strength of betweenapproximately 20 pounds per foot and approximately 300 pounds per foot,inclusive (or between 20 pounds per foot and 300 pounds per foot,inclusive), and a transverse wide width strip tensile strength ofbetween approximately 20 pounds per foot and approximately 300 poundsper foot, inclusive (or between 20 pounds per foot and 300 pounds perfoot, inclusive), according to a test performed in accordance with ASTMStandard D 4595 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties ofGeotextiles by the Wide-Width Strip Method). The tensile strength of theeco-friendly netting 10 needs to be adequate to hold the root systemtogether and to carry the weight of the mature sod during harvesting andinstallation.

As mentioned above, in one or more embodiments, the eco-friendly netting10 may have a plurality of fibers or yarns that form a pattern ofnetting apertures 18 (see FIG. 1 ). Each of the netting apertures 18 mayhave an opening size of at least approximately 6.0 mm by approximately6.0 mm (or at least 6.0 mm by 6.0 mm). For example, in one exemplaryembodiment, the netting apertures 18 may have a mesh aperture size ofbetween approximately 50.0 mm by 30.0 mm and approximately 20.0 mm by10.0 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the netting apertures 18 mayhave a mesh aperture size of between approximately 25.0 mm by 15.0 mmand approximately 10.0 mm by 8.0 mm. Opening sizes in these exemplaryranges provide enough open area for the grass to grow unobstructed.

The netting 10 may have a water retention percentage of 100 to 300percent. Advantageously, unlike traditional plastic netting, theeco-friendly netting can absorb water and release it back to the rootsystem. This creates an ideal microclimate for the healthy rootdevelopment.

Now, a first exemplary application for the eco-friendly netting 10 willbe described. In particular, the eco-friendly netting 10 is particularlyuseful for growing sod. Initially, with reference to FIG. 3 , in the sodgrowing process, a top portion of a topsoil bed 28 is loosened in orderto prepare the topsoil bed 28 for a planting of seeds (e.g., by a person34 loosening the topsoil bed 28 with a rake 32). For example, the uppertwo (2) to three (3) inches of the topsoil 28 is loosened to prepare theseed bed. As an alternative to using to the illustrated rake 32, the topportion of a topsoil bed 28 may be loosened using a tiller or anothersuitable device. The lower soil layers 30, which are disposed underneaththe topsoil bed 28, are not required to be loosened. Also, any weeds,clods, wood, or other obstructions that may interfere with theinstallation of the netting 10 are removed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 , aplurality of seeds 36 is applied to the topsoil bed 28 (e.g., by using aseed spreader 38) such that the plurality of seeds 36 are embedded inthe topsoil bed 28 (e.g., a machine, such as a roller, may be used toembed the seeds into the topsoil bed after the seeding thereof). The useof a roller ensures that a majority of the seeds 36 have goodseed-to-soil contact. After which, turning to FIG. 5 , a plurality ofstrips 40 of the eco-friendly netting 10 are unrolled from netting rolls42, and are arranged on a top of the topsoil bed 28 in an overlappingmanner. For example, each of the plurality of strips 40 of theeco-friendly netting 10 in FIG. 5 may be overlapped side-to-side aminimum of six (6) inches in a shingle-style manner with the upper layerpointing in the direction of the prevailing wind. Also, the strips 40 ofthe eco-friendly netting 10 in FIG. 5 may be overlapped end-to-end aminimum of six (6) inches in a shingle-style manner with the upper layerpointing in the direction of the prevailing wind. In one exemplaryembodiment, the eco-friendly netting 10 may be unrolled from the nettingrolls 42 using a fieldnet installer device that may be attached to atractor. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the eco-friendlynetting 10 may be manually unrolled from the netting rolls 42 by aperson. Following the placement of each of the netting strips 40, one ormore outer edges of each placed netting strip 40 are anchored into theground using anchors 44 so as to retain the eco-friendly netting 10 inplace (refer to FIGS. 6 and 7 ). That is, in one or more embodiments,the anchors 44 for a particular netting strip 40 may be installed afterthat particular netting strip 40 is placed on the topsoil bed 28 suchthat the netting strips 40 are generally anchored one at a time as theyare positioned on the topsoil bed 28. For example, the outer edges ofthe plurality of the netting strips 40 may be anchored into the groundby using anchors about six (6) feet on center parallel to thelongitudinal edge of netting, and about three (3) inches from either ofthe edges. In most cases, there is no need to place anchors in themid-section area of the netting. Also, at the end of each roll, anchorsmay be installed approximately three (3) feet on center, andapproximately three (3) inches from the edge parallel to the transverseedge of the roll. After installing the eco-friendly netting 10 on thetopsoil bed 28, the sod growing process may include the further step ofapplying a veneer of soil. After which, the plurality of seeds 36 in thetopsoil bed 28 is irrigated (e.g., by using an irrigation system with aplurality of sprinkler heads 48 that distribute streams of water 46—seeFIG. 8 ) so that grass 50 grows in the topsoil bed 28 and roots 52 ofthe grass 50 intertwine with the plurality of fibers or yarns of thestrips 40 of the eco-friendly netting 10. That is, the netting 10enables grass seedlings of the sod to germinate and grow, while theirroot systems 52 intertwine with the fibers or yarns of the netting 10,thereby producing a sturdy foundation for an earlier harvest. Thenetting 10 becomes a reinforcing grid around which the roots 52 willgrow and intertwine to form an integrated system. Finally, once thegrass develops into a mature state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ), the sodis harvested and ready for use. Advantageously, as a result of utilizingthe netting 10 in the sod growing process, once the grass is mature, thesod can be harvested immediately saving time and allowing up to twice asmuch sod to be produced in the same amount of space. The end result is amore efficient and higher production with reduced growing time. Also,because the root systems of the grass seedlings intertwine with thenetting 10 as they grow, a stronger foundation is provided, therebyresulting in an earlier harvest. The eco-friendly netting 10 willeventually biodegrade and release soil nutrients after its functionallife.

If required, the sod growing process may also include the further stepof applying at least one of fertilizers, soil amendments, and herbicidesto the plurality of seeds in the topsoil bed. The sod growing processmay also include the additional step of mowing the sod when the grassreaches a predetermined height (e.g., a height of approximately three(3) to four (4) inches).

Next, a second exemplary application for the eco-friendly netting 10will be explained. In particular, the eco-friendly netting 10 is alsoparticularly useful for harvesting sod. Initially, with reference toFIG. 10 , in the sod harvesting process, a roll 54 of the eco-friendlynetting 10 is installed in a mechanical harvester 56. Next, turning toFIG. 11 , the harvester cuts and extracts the sod 64, and places the sod64 onto its conveyor belts 60, 62. Then, with continued reference toFIG. 11 , the eco-friendly netting 10 is dispensed from the roll 54, theunrolled portion 55 of the netting 10 is guided by means of rollers 58on the mechanical harvester, and the underside of the sod 64 extractedand cut by the mechanical harvester is supported using the unrolledportion 55 of the eco-friendly netting 10 prior to the sod 64 beingwound onto a core. After which, as shown in FIG. 12 , when a sod rollthus formed by the winding of the sod 64 onto the core 66 (e.g., apolyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cardboard core) reaches a predetermineddiameter (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12 ), the sod 64 is cut, and theunrolled portion 55 of the eco-friendly netting 10 is wrapped around thesod roll a predetermined number of times (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12 ) soas to secure the sod roll. Finally, referring again to FIG. 12 , theunrolled portion 55 of the eco-friendly netting 10 is cut with a cuttingdevice (e.g., blade 68 on the harvester, or other type of manual cuttingdevice). In one embodiment, only the outer layer of the sod roll iswrapped with the eco-friendly netting 10, while in an alternativeembodiment, a layer of the netting 10 is placed under substantially theentire length, or the entire length of the cut sod, and then the nettingand sod layers are rolled into a single large sod roll.

When a plurality of sod rolls are being harvested, the steps ofdispensing the netting, supporting the sod using the netting, windingthe sod around a core, cutting the sod roll, wrapping the netting aroundthe sod roll, and cutting the netting are repeated for each of theplurality of sod rolls. Also, when one roll 54 of the netting 10 isfinished, another roll 54 may be installed in the harvester, and thesteps described above may be repeated. In one or more embodiments, whenthe eco-friendly netting 10 is used for the above described sodharvesting application, it may have a different mesh opening size andmass per unit area as compared to the netting used for growing sod.

It is readily apparent that the eco-friendly netting 10 described hereinoffers numerous advantages. First, the eco-friendly netting 10 offers aneco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic turf netting for sodgrowers and harvesters that does not have the negative environmentalimpacts of conventional plastic netting. Secondly, the eco-friendlynetting 10 significantly reduces the chances of netting entanglement ingrass mowing equipment and the threat of wildlife entrapment by itsunique structure and composition. In addition, the eco-friendly nettingis heavier than conventional plastic netting so as to greatly reduce thelikelihood that the netting will be displaced by natural forces actingthereon, such as that of wind-induced forces. The structure of thenetting 10 helps to provide a windproof installation, saving time andmoney. Finally, the eco-friendly netting 10 described herein isparticularly well-suited for growth support or root reinforcement, andfor structural backing and/or sod roll layer separation during sodharvesting. Because of the unique structure of the netting 10, thenetting 10 is capable of being laid more smoothly and requires lesslabor to install. The netting 10 increases crop turnover and produces anearlier harvest with higher annual yields, thereby resulting in higherprofits. Also, because the eco-friendly netting is derived fromrenewable resources which are natural, biodegradable, and organic, thecarbon foot print is minimal. After its functional life, theeco-friendly netting will biodegrade, releasing soil nutrients back tonature.

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments andvariations can be used in combination with any of the other features andattributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to acertain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this inventioncan be embodied in many different forms and that many othermodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention.

Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplaryembodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and shouldnot be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scopeof the invention is defined only by the appended claims and theirequivalents, and not, by the preceding description.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An eco-friendly netting for growing and/orharvesting sod, plants, and/or any type of vegetation, said eco-friendlynetting comprising: a netting body portion having a plurality of fibersor yarns forming a pattern of netting apertures, said netting bodyportion being formed from a material that is at least partiallybiodegradable, each of said netting apertures passing completely throughsaid eco-friendly netting, each of said netting apertures being presentin said eco-friendly netting prior to said eco-friendly netting beingused for growing and/or harvesting, and at least one of said nettingapertures having an opening size of at least 8.0 millimeters by at least8.0 millimeters.
 2. The eco-friendly netting according to claim 1,wherein said material forming said netting body portion is configured todecompose without requiring exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
 3. Theeco-friendly netting according to claim 1, wherein said material formingsaid netting body portion is configured to absorb water so as toincrease a weight of said material and release the absorbed water backto a root system in adjacent soil.
 4. The eco-friendly netting accordingto claim 1, wherein said material forming said netting body portion isconfigured to release nutrients to the soil as said material decomposes.5. The eco-friendly netting according to claim 1, wherein said materialforming said netting body portion is selected from the group consistingof: (i) one or more bioplastics, (ii) one or more agriculturalby-products, (iii) one or more organic materials, (iv) one or moreinorganic materials, and (v) combinations thereof.
 6. The eco-friendlynetting according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of fibers or yarnsof said netting body portion are arranged in a woven configuration, aknitted configuration, a substantially non-woven configuration, or anextruded configuration, and each of said plurality of fibers or yarns isformed from a substantially natural material.
 7. The eco-friendlynetting according to claim 6, wherein said substantially naturalmaterial comprises jute and/or cotton fibers.
 8. The eco-friendlynetting according to claim 1, wherein said netting has a mass per unitarea of less than 300 grams per square meter.
 9. The eco-friendlynetting according to claim 1, wherein said netting apertures are formedin said netting body portion by: (i) weaving, (ii) knitting, (iii)needle-punching, or (iv) extrusion, and each of said netting apertureshas an opening size of at least 0.8 millimeters by at least 0.8millimeters.
 10. The eco-friendly netting according to claim 1, whereinsaid netting is treated or processed to increase or decrease afunctional longevity of said netting, and said netting has a longevityof between approximately 1 month and approximately 60 months, inclusive.11. The eco-friendly netting according to claim 1, wherein said nettinghas a longitudinal wide width strip tensile strength of less than 2500pounds per foot.
 12. The eco-friendly netting according to claim 1,wherein said netting has a transversal wide width strip tensile strengthof less than 2500 pounds per foot.
 13. The eco-friendly nettingaccording to claim 1, wherein said netting is preseeded.
 14. Theeco-friendly netting according to claim 1, wherein said netting istreated or processed with at least one of anti-rot agents, degradingaccelerators, degrading inhibitors, nutrients, pesticides, fungicides,algaecides, herbicides, water absorption enhancers, water retentionenhancers, or any combination thereof.
 15. A method of growing sod usingan eco-friendly netting, said method comprising the steps of: (i)providing an eco-friendly netting, which includes: a netting bodyportion having a plurality of fibers or yarns forming a pattern ofnetting apertures, said netting body portion being formed from amaterial that is at least partially biodegradable, each of said nettingapertures passing completely through said eco-friendly netting, each ofsaid netting apertures being present in said eco-friendly netting priorto said eco-friendly netting being used for growing and/or harvesting,and at least one of said netting apertures having an opening size of atleast 8.0 millimeters by at least 8.0 millimeters; (ii) loosening a topportion of a soil bed to prepare said soil bed for a planting of seeds;(iii) applying a plurality of seeds to said soil bed such that saidplurality of seeds are embedded in said soil bed; (iv) unrolling andarranging a plurality of strips of said eco-friendly netting on a top ofsaid soil bed in an overlapping manner; (v) anchoring a plurality ofouter edges of said plurality of said netting strips into the ground soas to retain said eco-friendly netting in place; (vi) irrigating saidplurality of seeds in said soil bed so that grass grows in said soil bedand roots of said grass intertwine with said material of saideco-friendly netting; and (vii) harvesting sod when said grass developsinto a mature state.
 16. The method according to claim 15, furthercomprising the step of: (viii) applying at least one of additionalseeding, irrigation, fertilizers, soil amendments, and herbicides tosaid plurality of seeds in said soil bed.
 17. The method according toclaim 15, further comprising the step of: (viii) mowing said sod whensaid grass reaches a predetermined height.
 18. The method according toclaim 15, further comprising the step of: (viii) applying a veneer ofsoil on said eco-friendly netting.
 19. A method of harvesting sod usingan eco-friendly netting, said method comprising the steps of: (i)providing an eco-friendly netting, which includes: a netting bodyportion having a plurality of fibers or yarns forming a pattern ofnetting apertures, said netting body portion being formed from amaterial that is at least partially biodegradable, each of said nettingapertures passing completely through said eco-friendly netting, each ofsaid netting apertures being present in said eco-friendly netting priorto said eco-friendly netting being used for growing and/or harvesting,and at least one of said netting apertures having an opening size of atleast 8.0 millimeters by at least 8.0 millimeters; (ii) installing anetting roll of said eco-friendly netting in a mechanical harvester;(iii) dispensing said eco-friendly netting from said netting roll, andsupporting an underside of sod cut and extracted by said mechanicalharvester prior to said sod being wound onto a core; (iv) when a sodroll formed by the winding of said sod onto said core reaches apredetermined diameter, cutting said sod and wrapping said eco-friendlynetting around said sod roll a predetermined number of times so as tosecure said sod roll; and (v) cutting said eco-friendly netting with adevice on said harvester.
 20. The method according to claim 19, whereinsaid sod roll comprises a plurality of sod rolls, and wherein thefollowing steps of claim 19 are repeated for each of said plurality ofsod rolls: dispensing said eco-friendly netting from said netting roll,and supporting an underside of said sod cut and extracted by saidmechanical harvester prior to said sod being wound onto a core; when asod roll formed by the winding of said sod onto said core reaches apredetermined diameter, cutting said sod and wrapping said eco-friendlynetting around said sod roll a predetermined number of times so as tosecure said sod roll; and cutting said eco-friendly netting with saiddevice on said harvester.